Nearsightedness

Alternative names:

myopia

Definition:

An error of visual focusing that causes difficulty seeing distant objects.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

With this disorder, near objects are seen clearly, while objects in the distance are blurred. This is the result of the visual image being focused in front of the retina rather than directly on it. It may be caused from the eyeball being too long from front to back, or from the lens power being too strong. Nearsightedness often develops in the school-aged child and through the early 20s after which it usually stabilizes. Until that time, it may develop rapidly and require frequent changes in glasses or contact lenses. It affects males and females equally, and family history of nearsightedness is a risk factor.